Treasurer to retire after term expires

SALEM

January 31, 2013

City Treasurer Bob Tullis said he's planning to retire from public service when his term expires Dec. 31 - he won't be seeking re-election for a fifth term.

The 67-year-old city resident said he's talked to a lot of people about the treasurer's job to try to find someone interested in becoming the next treasurer, but he doesn't know of anyone at this point who's considering it.

Party candidates have until Feb. 6 to file their petitions to run for the Democrat or Republican nominations for the seat.

Tullis actually will have 24 years of public service completed by the time he leaves, with eight years on Salem City Council as a councilman and then 16 years as city treasurer, a post he was elected to in 1997, following the footsteps of the late Ray Dean, who retired as treasurer at the end of 1997.

A long-time Democrat, Tullis said he switched to Independent eight years ago.

When asked why he's not running again, he said "you reach a point when it's time to move on."

He retired from his job in the control booth with the Public Broadcasting System channels 45/49 in 2008 and said he and his wife, Eugenia, are hoping to do a little more traveling. He said they would like to be able to go to Florida in the winter and maybe have some adventures, such as working at Walt Disney World part-time.

He praised the people he's worked with in the city Income Tax Office and thanked the citizens for their support over the years.

"I'm very honored that they put that amount of trust in me," Tullis said.

The treasurer manages a large portfolio of investments for the city, a job that he said is a big responsibility. Whoever ends up with the treasurer's post, he said he'll offer his help with the transition.

"It's been a good experience. I've enjoyed it," he said.

Other posts up for election this year in city government include the three Council-At-Large seats and President of Council.